Being an NUHS Student

Monday, October 01, 2012

The NUHS campus is home to many beautiful plants and flowers.
The foliage appears infused with life and vibrancy. While looking
at them, I feel their energy spark extra joy inside me. I instantly
begin smiling when I see them.

These flowers caused me to think about the usage of a flower to
symbolize essence in AOM. Essence is core energy comparable to
one's genetics. The flowers caused me to think about how we to
sprout up from a seed. We have the ability to bloom into so many
directions. I then wondered what brought each student to NUHS. What
caused them to bloom in this direction?

In upcoming blogs I will have video interviews of current
students. Right now, I want to take a moment to write about what a
day in the life of an NUHS student feels like. Since I am
graduating this trimester, I have found myself reminiscing on my
journey thus far at NUHS.

I have spoken with several students regarding their experiences
at NUHS. From the feedback I have received, it seems the first time
a student begins to fully feel like an NUHS student is during the
Orientation Day prior to the first day of classes. Orientation Day
offers students an opportunity to meet fellow students and faculty
members. Initially, we are unaware of each student's enrolled
program. This offers an easy way to meet each other and ask
questions to learn more about one another. During my Orientation
Day, there was an exciting energy and optimism in the air.

Typically, the next time the new student is on campus is to
attend their first class. While this is often an intriguing time,
it can also be a little overwhelming. Fortunately, the new students
are able to connect with each other allowing everyone to feel at
ease. There are also many upper classmen and faculty members on
campus ready to help answer questions.

For many students, I think the first year can feel both
demanding and very rewarding. Some students attend NUHS directly
from their undergraduate program. For these students, the intensity
of NUHS curriculum can be challenging and motivating. Other
students attend NUHS for the purpose of a second career or
extension of their current career. Many times these students are
familiar with the fast pace and high demands, but may have become
unfamiliar with daily studying and homework expectations. I think
the first year of NUHS classes brings many transitions.
Fortunately, these shifts find a balance and yield a high level of
satisfaction.

From what I have been told and experienced myself, the first
year of the NUHS scholastic lifestyle comes into place with a
healthy and comfortable ebb and flow. By the final year of classes
and clinic, most students are filled with anticipation of upcoming
career opportunities. Many students complete their licensing boards
during their final year. Studying for boards while enrolled in
clinic and classes can feel a bit intense at times, but it also
feels very satisfying. It feels very fulfilling to realize all the
hard work has brought the desired outcome of being a licensed
health care professional in the chosen field of study.